Marina Beach sits within Marina Park along Hood River's bustling waterfront, offering a sandy beach and grassy areas perfect for families seeking a relaxed Columbia River experience away from the intense windsurfing and kiteboarding action at nearby launch sites. Located at Exit 64 off Interstate 84 where Highway 35 meets the Hood River Interstate Bridge, Marina Park encompasses multiple features including the boat marina, Marina Green, picnic shelter, yacht club, and History Museum, all connected by nearly two miles of pedestrian trails along the shoreline. The west end of Marina Beach provides plenty of sand and grass where families spread blankets, children build sandcastles, and visitors enjoy picnics with sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding mountains. This designated family area intentionally separates from the windsurfing and kiteboarding zones, creating a safer, calmer environment for swimming, wading, and beach play. The park opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM, with parking available for 2.75 dollars per hour up to 15 dollars per day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM except on the 4th of July.
Swimming at Marina Beach attracts families during summer months when Columbia River temperatures warm to comfortable levels, though no lifeguards patrol the area and swimmers must exercise caution regarding currents where the Hood River meets the Columbia River at this location. The beach area creates a gentler environment than the exposed waterfront zones, but strong currents in both rivers require constant supervision of children and awareness of water conditions. Beach walking and trail exploration extend along the waterfront with paved paths connecting Marina Park to other waterfront sites including the Event Site, the Spit, and Waterfront Park, creating opportunities for extended strolls with Columbia River Gorge scenery throughout. Picnicking proves popular with picnic tables, a covered shelter available for reservation, and expansive grass areas accommodating family gatherings and group events. The History Museum offers insights into Hood River's maritime heritage, windsurfing culture, and Columbia River Gorge history. Wildlife viewing includes waterfowl such as Canada geese, mallards, and mergansers, ospreys and bald eagles fishing the river, great blue herons along the shoreline, and river otters occasionally spotted in quieter areas. The boat marina provides access for recreational boating, fishing charters, and sailboats, with the yacht club hosting events throughout the sailing season. While Marina Beach itself focuses on family recreation, the surrounding waterfront showcases world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding with colorful sails and kites filling the river on windy days, creating spectacular viewing for beach visitors.
Hood River's waterfront dining sits within easy walking distance of Marina Beach along the Shoreline Path. Riverside offers the only restaurant directly on the Hood River waterfront with fine dining Italian cuisine, fresh local ingredients, Oregon-focused wines, and sweeping Columbia River views from their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. pFriem Family Brewers operates a contemporary taproom featuring Belgian-inspired beers merged with Oregon hop traditions, serving artisan pizzas, charcuterie boards, mussels, and pub fare alongside their acclaimed ales. Ferment Brewing Company provides an open airy brewpub with outdoor seating, handcrafted ales, their famous fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and salads overlooking the river. Three Rivers Grill serves fine dining Pacific Northwest cuisine including grilled salmon, steaks, pasta, and seasonal dishes with Columbia River views from indoor and deck seating. Full Sail Brewing Company combines pioneering craft beers with burgers, fish tacos, and brewpub classics in a casual riverside atmosphere.
Marina Beach lacks lifeguard services, and swimmers face significant risks from Columbia River currents that can be deceptively strong, especially where the Hood River confluence creates complex water movement patterns. Children require constant close supervision and should never swim alone or venture beyond designated safe areas. Water temperatures remain cold even during summer, typically ranging from 60-70 degrees, creating risks of cold shock and hypothermia with extended exposure. Strong afternoon winds characteristic of the Columbia River Gorge can create challenging conditions with whitecaps and waves developing rapidly. Visitors should stay clear of designated windsurfing and kiteboarding launch zones at the Event Site and the Spit where high-speed watercraft create hazards. The sandy peninsula known as the Spit changes configuration with river levels, and strong currents plus unpredictable depth changes require extreme caution. Parking fees apply throughout the waterfront from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily except July 4th, and payment stations accept credit cards. Dogs are allowed on leash in Marina Park but prohibited from beach and swim areas. Be aware of boat traffic from the adjacent marina and give vessels wide clearance. Marina Beach provides family-friendly Columbia River access with swimming, picnicking, beachcombing, and trail walking, all with stunning Gorge scenery and convenient access to Hood River's waterfront restaurants, breweries, and windsurfing culture.
